I don’t think I am prudish but some might see me as such. I don’t know, maybe it’s old age. But then again, I’m “one of those” that has never used certain four letter words in my entire life and don’t see myself ever using them. My parents always said that using “foul” language was a lack of education. They said only those who could not otherwise express themselves would use such language. And I’ve always been “the good girl”, the “obedient daughter”. It doesn’t necessarily bother me when I hear a “well placed” expletive because sometimes that’s the only way the strength of an emotion can be conveyed. For me though, it doesn’t feel right and so I choose not to use such language.
I also find these days that I am bothered by explicit sex scenes in books as I read. Not all sex scenes but there are those that just appear in a book for the sake of it, not because they belong. There are such scenes that go way too far in describing what is going on in a book that is otherwise not at all gratuitous. The scenes just don’t fit in with the storyline or the characters. Those bother me. And then there is also the fact that in books, as in movies, sometimes less is more. Sometimes an inference is much better than explicit details. I’m actually thinking there should be some kind of rating on books to let the reader know what they are getting themselves into. I’m not saying that such books should not be written, published, or read. I’m just saying that I would like to know if such scenes are in the book before I decide to spend money and time reading them. Maybe I would just rather use my own imagination in those scenes instead of having someone else tell me who did what to whom and how many times.
So maybe it’s me. Maybe it’s old age. Maybe it’s a sign that I don’t fit in with “modern” times. And yeah, maybe I’m just a prude!
Well, I do use some well placed “adjectives”. I blame it on letting them be used around me. The whole trash in trash out theory. Mine usually slip out in a fit of anger.
I’m right there with you on the sex scenes. I think it was much better back when they kissed, he kicked the door to the bedroom shut and then you picked back up with them the next morning. There are some things I don’t do in the bedroom and don’t want to read about someone doing. And I subscribe to the less is more theory. If you don’t tell me too much, then I can let it be the way it would be most pleasant for me in my mind. Heck, I even think any man is much hotter to look at dressed. I’m thankful for the equipment, but I don’t need to see it.
Life & Faith in Caneyhead
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While I personally find profanity to be the percussion to the melody of language, I’m with you on overly explicit sex. For one thing, it’s boring. I mean, look at a book like “Jane Eyre.” It’s unbelievably erotic, with virtually no physical contact among any of the characters.
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I wouldn’t worry about being called a prude. People who don’t agree with you on any subject, might try to belittle your stance by using some sort of derogative expression. So far as I’m concerned, if a writer captures my attention, feeds my imagination and my thoughts, I don’t care if he or she is a little vulgar. I have read descriptions of rooms in which the curtains and chairs were described with such detail, that it seemed wearisome. It’s not so much the subject, as the manner of the writing. That’s why I usually read more than one review or critique of a book before I buy the book. Still, sometimes I do buy, and I’m disappointed. In all art, I find the hint more gratifying than being spoon fed. Wishing you much pleasure in your reading, Corina.
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My OH never ever uses bad language which has a knock on effect on all of us as we (my four kids and I) rarely use them. We also have an advantage here in Ireland as we have a word which is very descriptive but not interpreted as a curse word called “feck”. This I do use on occasions.
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I very really swear (except when I drive) so if you hear me swear (and I’m not driving), watch out! You will know I mean it.
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Great minds think alike! I was raised as you were. We go to the movies often, and even when the story is good, the language grates on our ears. I read books like crazy, and would love a rating system like you describe. We are not old, we just have good taste!
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